Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s trip to Colombia has started with the Duke slamming social media companies for their part in the UK riots.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have arrived in the South American country at the invitation of the Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez, who said the couple will have an “exceptional opportunity to engage with elders, youth and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians … and illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation”.

Speaking at an event to promote a “responsible digital future”, Harry said: “What happens online within a matter of minutes transfers to the streets. People are acting on information that isn’t true. It comes down to all of us to be able to spot the true from the fake.

“In an ideal world those with positions of influence would take more responsibility. We are no longer debating facts. For as long as people are allowed to spread lies, abuse, harass, then social cohesion as we know it has completely broken down.”

Meghan told the gathering at Bogotá’s EAN University: “It doesn’t matter where you live. It doesn’t matter who you are. Either you personally or someone you know is a victim to what’s happening online. And that’s something we can actively work on every day to remedy.”

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